Chevrolet unveiled the Hot Wheels Edition Camaro at SEMA this week, giving Hot Wheels geeks the world over a chance to own a lifesize Hot Wheels car.
This is really one of the silliest things I've ever seen. The package itself costs $7,000, not including the cost of the car, which goes for anywhere from $25,000 to $55,000, depending upon the options you want. Why add nearly ten grand extra to the sticker price to celebrate a toy that can be had for less than $5?
Don't get me wrong, I love Hot Wheels just as much as the next guy, and the Chevrolet Camaro is admittedly rad, too. But I think Chevrolet has this thing all backwards, conceptually speaking. Y'see, Hot Wheels are meant to make you want a real car. The beauty of a Hot Wheels toy is that you can have a 200-car stable at the age of ten. Someone please tell me what is the value of having that toy's logo plastered all over your $50,000 sports car. To me that sounds like paying someone money so that you can advertise for them.
And that's basically all this is; badging and a Hot Wheels-specific paint scheme. As for the rest, you can choose between LS and SS trim models. Which means that if you want it, your Hot Wheels Camaro can have the 426 hp 6.2-liter V8. Both manual and automatic transmissions are available.
Sounds great and all, but if I want a Hot Wheels car, I don't need a V8. All it takes is your hand, some vocal motor sound effects, and a little imagination.
Photo credit: General Motors